The Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 race drew to a close on 2 March 2024, amidst high levels of excitement and fierce competition. Drivers and teams showcased their skills in a ten-hour battle of endurance that started at daylight and ended under the iconic floodlights of the Lusail International Circuit (LIC).

Race and the winners

The season’s first race witnessed intense rivalry as elite drivers tested their vehicles’ endurance. Porsche Penske Motorsport emerged victorious, marking its first win in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2017, with a dominant performance that led to a clean sweep of the podium.

The No. 6 crew, comprising Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre, and Andre Lotterer, clinched the win for their team. Following closely in second place were the No. 12 Hertz Team JOTA, driving Porsche 963 as well, and the No. 5 Porsche Penske Motorsport winning third place.

In the LMGT3 class, victory went to Manthey PureRxcing with their Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Aliaksandr Malykhin, Joel Sturm, and Klaus Bachler. This win marked the first-ever class victory in the category, narrowly edging out the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR driven by Alex Riberas, Daniel Mancinelli, and Ian James, who finished just 4.866 seconds behind.

D’station Racing, with drivers Marco Sorensen, Erwan Bastard, and Clement Mateu, secured another spot on the podium for an Aston Martin car, overcoming the No. 46 Team WRT for third place.

As the race concluded after 335 laps, Qatari football star Hassan Al-Haydos had the honour of waving the chequered flag. The night was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Lusail sky and marking the end of an exhilarating race day.

🎆Fireworks at the closing ceremony of the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 km - FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 (WEC) on 2 March 2024 at Lusail!
#Qatar #Doha #ILoveQatar #ILQ #ILQLive #Lusail #WEC2024 #ILQLCMay24 @QMMF_official @lusailcircuit @qatarairways @VisitQatar pic.twitter.com/AdQ9YjfrsF

— ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) March 2, 2024

President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, expressed his delight at the incredible success of the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 km - 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

🔥 The amazing Toyota Gazoo Racing took place on 1-2 March 2024! The event included networking opportunities, garage tours, races & more! Watch our video to get the full action! 🤩

Sponsored #ILQTGRMAR24 #Qatar #Doha #ILoveQatar #ILQLive #ToyotaGAZOORacing #WEC #Qatar1812KM… pic.twitter.com/HRFDHAKQcE

— ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) March 2, 2024

Air show during the opening ceremony

Spectators were treated to a spectacular air show during the opening ceremony, where jets painted the Lusail sky with amazing contrails. The Fan Zone was full of hype and action as well, offering an array of family-friendly entertainment options such as traditional cultural activities, simulators, face painting and live music.

The event culminated in a podium ceremony, celebrating the victors of this historic race in both categories, bringing the first weekend of the Lusail Speed Fest to a memorable end.

Next weekend 8-10 March 2024 promises another exhilarating dose of motorsport action, as speed enthusiasts will have a chance to witness another huge event, this time with the two-wheel action of the 2024 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.

Don’t miss the chance to witness greatness, and be at the Lusail International Circuit next weekend to create unforgettable memories. Get your tickets now at tickets.lcsc.qa

Highlights from the event

🔥 Highlights from the super cool Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 km - FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 (WEC) held between 29 February to 2 March 2024 at @lusailcircuit!

Sponsored #Qatar #Doha #ILoveQatar #ILQ #ILQLive #Lusail #WEC2024 #ILQLCMay24 @QMMF_official @qatarairways… pic.twitter.com/ZtX6uQOsZW

— ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) March 2, 2024

Source and cover image credit: Press Release

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Vrinda Abilash

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